IBE (CSIC-UPF): Global experts agree on declaration for proper use and development of artificial intelligence in Europe

News from IBE (CSIC-UPF)

Global experts in artificial intelligence met on 7 and 8 March at CosmoCaixa to debate the promise, risks and reality of artificial intelligence applications. Called together by B·Debate, an initiative of Biocat and the “la Caixa” Foundation, along with the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE - CSIC / UPF) and the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, the experts drafted a manifesto to serve as the guidelines for proper use of AI and development of this discipline in Europe.

The experts highlighted that proper use of artificial intelligence will be key to maintaining the wellbeing of society as a whole, above all in a post-truth world where emotions and beliefs are more influential than objective facts in making decisions. This is especially important when tackling large-scale issues currently facing society like climate change, pollution and migration.

The declaration, promoted by ICREA researcher Luc Steels and Ramon Lopez de Mantaras of the CSIC, calls on agencies and European finance companies to invest in the development of artificial intelligence, given its importance for the future of the economy. However, it highlights that we need long-term research to see the possible applications for AI and which requirements should be applied to ensure it doesn’t have harmful results. The manifesto suggests creating a European agency to validate applications before they are offered to the general public. The declaration will be published in the coming weeks and be available online.